MFA advice against travelling to country or area (an advisory) is a recommendation. It is up to the traveller to decide whether or not to cancel or postpone their trip.
MFA advises against travelling to a country or parts of a country when the security situation is considered very dangerous, unpredictable, or is rapidly changing. Reasons for an advisory may include political unrest, violence, specific threats, or the risk of serious infection. MFA can also advise against travelling following a natural disaster. An advisory may also mean that there are limited facilities for MFA/the embassy to assist Swedish travellers in the affected location, such as in the case of war or a war-like situation.
MFA does not advise against travelling due to general or unspecified terror threats. Nevertheless, it is important that travellers keep themselves informed about the security situation in general, and the threats and risks that exist in the country they’re travelling to. Swedish embassies offer travel information on the relevant page of Sweden Abroad.
MFA can advise against non-essential travel, which includes tourist trips and general visits; or against all travel, which also includes business trips and other types of travel. There are also situations in which MFA not only advises against travel, but also urges Swedes to leave the country. This is only in situations where there is an imminent danger due to conflict or other imminent threats.
When MFA advises against travel, this should be interpreted as a signal of a serious security situation, and you should think carefully about whether or not to travel. Normally, travel insurance does not apply if MFA issues an advisory, or a supplementary policy may be required for insurance cover if you decide to travel contrary to MFA’s advice. It is important to check what is and isn’t included in your travel insurance policy, and the conditions that apply for pre-booked travel.
When MFA advises against travel, you can usually recover the cost of booked charter or package holidays to the country or area that MFA has issued the advisory for. Most major travel agencies follow MFA’s advisories, but you should always contact the agency directly to find out what applies to pre-booked travel.
Read more about MFA’s advice before travelling abroad on the Government Offices of Sweden’s website.
